My scout told me that he is currently the best left back in the market. I was really surprised because Erik Ten Hag sold him like he was never a good player. That was a very bog mistake. Amorim ‘could re-sign’ £42m player months after he was sold by Erik ten Hag as scouts sent his name as top performing wing back in the world.

Manchester United Plot Return for Álvaro Fernández Amid January Reinforcements

Manchester United are reportedly exploring the possibility of re-signing Álvaro Fernández as part of their plans for the January transfer window. With mounting injury concerns and uncertainty surrounding key players like Marcus Rashford, United may turn to a familiar face to address their left-back situation.

Rashford’s Future in Doubt

Amid transfer speculation, Marcus Rashford has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Pro League clubs, casting doubt over his future at Old Trafford. Losing Rashford, a cornerstone of United’s attack, would be a massive blow, prompting the club to compile a shortlist of potential replacements.

Injury Crisis at Left-Back

The club’s defensive woes have intensified with Luke Shaw sidelined due to injury. While a long-term solution may arrive in the form of Paraguayan starlet Diego León in 2025, United need immediate reinforcements. Álvaro Fernández, who previously impressed in United’s academy, has emerged as a strong candidate.

Fernández’s Journey and Recent Form

After leaving United for Benfica in 2023, Fernández has thrived, establishing himself as a key player in the Portuguese side’s setup. His performances, particularly in the Champions League, have reignited United’s interest. Scouts have been monitoring the 21-year-old, who has matured significantly since his time at Old Trafford.

United’s Buy-Back Advantage

United retained a buy-back clause when selling Fernández to Benfica, allowing them to re-sign him for £16.5 million—far below his current £42 million release clause. This gives United a significant advantage if they decide to bring the Spaniard back.

Ten Hag’s Perspective

Despite allowing Fernández to leave, Erik ten Hag has always kept tabs on the young defender’s development. Speaking earlier this year, Ten Hag emphasized that Fernández’s gradual progression through leagues in England, Spain, and Portugal was a calculated effort to prepare him for elite competition.

A Strategic Return?

Re-signing Fernández would not only provide depth at left-back but also symbolize United’s commitment to nurturing academy talent. His return could solidify United’s defensive options while showcasing the club’s ability to identify and develop young players effectively.

What’s Next for United?

With pressing needs across the squad and Rashford’s future uncertain, Fernández’s return might form part of a larger January strategy. Whether the young Spaniard will don the red shirt again remains to be seen, but his impressive rise has given United plenty to consider ahead of a critical transfer window.

For fans, the prospect of bringing back a promising talent like Fernández adds an exciting narrative to what could be a pivotal moment in United’s season.